CIS repeat champions at the RBC Inter Schools sailing regatta

This much anticipated annual sailing regatta saw close to 50 sailors from Primary schools across Grand Cayman competing in perfect conditions on North Sound. Teams of 6 students from each school took turns to race their boat round a short course and the very close racing made for exciting viewing close to shore.

“Students come to the club to sail throughout the year and then every November they compete fiercely for bragging rights in this team competition” explained Rick Caley from the sailing club. “It’s the team aspect of the competition which highlights the virtues of sailing as a sport. They all help each other to get a good start, take care of their boat and encourage each other in every race”.

After 24 races Cayman International School came out on top for the second year running. They were closely followed by Cayman Prep and Savannah Primary. Hope Academy, who were competing for the first time and had only been sailing together for 8 weeks, took a creditable fourth place.

Claire Hughes, teacher in charge of the Cayman Prep sailors, thought it was a spectacular event. “This regatta is a wonderful event for our budding sailors. It’s very professionally run, allows the kids to work together as a team and most of all have a great deal of fun in the process.”

Head Sailing Coach Raph Harvey was quick to congratulate all the sailors. “It’s one thing to sail around having fun on the water, but when you get into a racing situation you need to be aware of the wind conditions and develop strategies to ensure you beat the opposition. I saw a lot of you doing just that today and it meant that you were putting into practice all the skills that you have learned in lessons”

Rick Caley thanked the coaching staff for preparing the sailors so well and RBC Royal Bank who sponsored the event for the 15th consecutive year.

“RBC is pleased to again sponsor the RBC Inter Schools Sailing Regatta” said Michael Munnings, Area Vice President & Branch Manager, RBC Main Branch, Cayman Islands. “At RBC, supporting local youth is one of the core areas of focus for our community programme. We sponsor this event each year because athletic training is critical to helping young people realize their full potential.”